We were lucky to catch up with Shari Biery recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Shari , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Finding my purpose was a journey that began during a deeply symbolic moment at my husband’s military retirement ceremony. As he handed me the American Flag, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief and realization—it was finally my time to exhale. For years, I had been consumed by the constant demands of supporting my high-achieving husband, managing our household, and ensuring our family’s well-being. I had neglected myself in the process, leaving me feeling exhausted, burnt out, and disconnected from who I truly was.
I promised myself that I would stop neglecting my own needs and start reclaiming my well-being. I started my journey of self-discovery, by working with a health and wellness coach who asked me the right questions to help me uncover who I really wanted to be and what I truly wanted in my life. It was a transformative experience that made me realize there was nothing inherently wrong with me—I just needed the right support to guide me.
Through this journey, I discovered that my true purpose is to help other midlife women who, like me, have spent years prioritizing everyone but themselves. My mission became clear: to empower these women to reclaim their identities, prioritize their well-being, and confidently say “It’s My Turn” to a fulfilling midlife. This is why I dedicated myself to being a Purpose & Well-Being Coach. My own experience of awakening and transformation inspired me to guide others on their paths to self-discovery and fulfillment.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m Shari Biery, a Purpose & Well-Being Mentor, National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, and founder of the Alive With Purpose Health & Life Coaching. My focus is on guiding midlife women with high-achieving spouses to reclaim their identities and prioritize their well-being after years of dedicating themselves to others.
My journey began as a military spouse for over two decades, supporting my physician husband and managing the complexities of military life. During this time, I experienced firsthand the challenges of balancing a demanding household, relocating frequently, and ensuring my family’s well-being. In the midst of it all, I lost sight of my own needs and identity. My turning point came at my husband’s retirement ceremony, a moment that marked not just a new chapter for him, but also for me. It was then that I realized it was my turn to focus on myself and my well-being.
This personal awakening led me to become a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach and to develop my signature C.A.L.M. Method. This method is designed to help midlife women rediscover their purpose, prioritize their health, and thrive in their next best phase of life. Through my book that will be launching in the fall of 2024, “It’s Your Turn,” my coaching programs, speaking engagements, and the community I’ve built, I empower women to reclaim their identities and live fulfilling, purposeful lives.
What excites me most about my work is witnessing the transformations in the women I coach. Seeing them move from a place of burnout and self-neglect to one of self-empowerment and well-being is incredibly rewarding. It’s about more than just health; it’s about helping these women rediscover who they are, embrace their worth, and confidently step into a life that prioritizes their own happiness and fulfillment.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three key qualities have been most impactful in my journey: resilience, empathy, and a commitment to continuous learning.
As a military spouse, I faced constant relocations, career disruptions, and the challenges of supporting a high-achieving partner. These experiences taught me the importance of resilience—the ability to adapt and bounce back from setbacks. Resilience helped me navigate the tough times and stay focused on my goals despite the obstacles. For those early in their journey, I recommend embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. Build a support network, practice self-care, and remind yourself that setbacks are a natural part of the journey.
My role as a health and wellness coach requires deep empathy. Understanding and genuinely connecting with the struggles of the women I coach has been essential. Empathy allows me to create a safe and supportive environment where my clients feel heard and valued. To develop empathy, I practice active listening and ask powerful questions for women to find their own answers.
Throughout my journey, I’ve maintained a strong commitment to learning. Whether it was pursuing further education in health and wellness coaching, studying the latest wellness practices, or learning from my own experiences, continuous learning has been crucial. Staying curious and open to new ideas has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. If you’re beginning to ask questions about what you want, I encourage taking courses, reading extensively, seeking out mentors, and always being open to new experiences and perspectives.
My advice for those early in their journey is to cultivate these qualities intentionally. Resilience will help you navigate the inevitable challenges, empathy will strengthen your connections and impact, and continuous learning will keep you evolving and thriving in your personal and professional life.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I turn to a few important steps.
Connect with Myself: The first step is to pause and check in with myself. I take a few deep breaths and assess what’s truly causing the overwhelm. This could be a specific task, an emotion, or a combination of factors. Mindfulness practices like meditation or simple breathing exercises help me ground myself and bring clarity to my thoughts.
Assess Priorities: Once I’ve connected with myself, I reassess my priorities. I ask myself what is most important right now and what can wait. This often involves making a list and identifying the top three tasks that need my immediate attention. Breaking down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps helps reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed.
Release the Pressure: Overwhelm often stems from trying to do too many things. I remind myself that it’s okay to not have everything under control and that doing my best is enough. This involves letting go of unrealistic expectations and being kinder to myself. It’s important to celebrate small victories and progress rather than focusing solely on perfection.
Make Time for Self-Care: Finally, I make sure to carve out time for self-care. This could be a short walk outside, journaling, or simply enjoying a cup of tea in silence. Self-care is non-negotiable because it replenishes my energy and helps me tackle challenges with a clear mind and a positive attitude.
My advice to anyone feeling overwhelmed is to find a method that works for you, one that helps you reconnect with yourself, reassess your priorities, let go of unnecessary pressures, and make time for self-care. It’s also crucial to reach out for support when needed—whether it’s talking to a friend, a coach, a mental health counselor, or a mentor. Remember, you’re not alone, and it’s okay to ask for help.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sharibiery.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alivewithpurposecoaching/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AliveWithPurposeCoaching
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shari-biery/
Image Credits
Ashley Victoria Photography: https://ashleyvictoria.com/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
